A federal government group has been formed to advise the National Archives on a project dealing with the forced adoption and relocation of thousands of Australians from around the country.

Nine people; five mothers who had children adopted, three adult adoptees and a father who has written four books about his experiences of adoption, have been appointed to the Forced Adoptions Implementation Working Group. The Group will liaise with the National Archives of Australia to help implement its Forced Adoptions History Project.

The consultation group will provide advice and recommendations on a recent Senate Inquiry report into forced adoption practices. The report contained a suggestion to record the experiences of those affected by forced adoption and increase awareness of the issue in Australia. A website will also be produced containing the experiences of people affected by forced adoptions, and an exhibition which will tour the country from late 2015.

The National Archives is seeking expressions of interest from Australians who have been affected by forced adoption and want to contribute to the proposed website and exhibition. Information about the Forced Adoptions History Project can be found online.